Everlasting Hunger (The Hunger Mate Series) by Brandy Dorsch Page B

eyes of a drink across the room. 
    “That’s an interesting choice.  I believe that she is a new drink on the floor tonight.  I wonder what her name is.” 
    “Natalie.  Her name is Natalie.” 
    Ian looks at Jasper in surprise.  “There is a story there.  How do you know the young woman?”
    Sighing because he knows that Ian is not going to let the subject go until he is satisfied he simply says, “I met her here at the club tonight.  Mackenzie is her trainer but the girl hadn’t been tasted before.  I took her to my office and showed her what to expect.  It was an unsettling experience.” 
    Ian pushes back from the table and walks toward the main bar on the floor.  Jasper watches as he walks toward Mackenzie and Natalie.  Unsure of what Ian is saying to the young women, he watches as Mackenzie glances at him and smiles and Natalie shakes her head vehemently no.  Mackenzie leans toward Natalie and whispers in her ear.  Natalie looks toward Jasper and he can see the indecision on her face and the cautious wariness.  Ian grasps her hand and pulls her along with him back to the table.  Jasper rises as they approach and he pulls the chair back as Natalie sits down. 
    “I hope you don’t mind that I brought Natalie over to join us, Jasper.”
    “Of course not.  It’s always my pleasure to spend time with a beautiful woman.” 
    Ian turns to Jasper. “I’m going to go check on Ellie.  I’ll probably be gone for a while so if you need me you know where I will be.”
    Jasper bows his head as Ian turns to go, leaving him alone with Natalie and a feeling of curiosity at how things with this young woman are going to play out.

    Natalie fidgets nervously in her chair as she waits for Jasper to say something.  She has no idea why Ian Lochlan would insist on escorting her to the VIP table unless it was for a drink and he left as soon as she sat down.  Feeling as if she needs to get this over with she asks, “Did you request a drink from me, sir?” 
    Jasper looks at her in surprise. “No, Natalie.  I believe that Ian noticed my interest in you and decided to play matchmaker.  However, if you are offering another taste I’m always up for a drink from someone as exquisite as you.” 
    Jasper leans forward and tugs her chair toward him, throwing her slightly off balance.  Pulling the chair and Natalie between his knees, he runs his hands up the bare skin displayed by the short, black leather skirt that’s part of the required drink dress code until he reaches her thighs.  Fingers caressing her skin, he leans toward her and places a gentle kiss at the corner of her mouth.  He smiles at the blush on her cheeks and the sharp inhalation of her breath at the touch of his lips on her face. 
    Knowing that she will have to become accustomed to this man if she is going to continue to work at Everlasting, she takes a deep breath and relaxes at the touch on her legs.  She pushes out of the chair and slips into Jasper’s lap.  Wrapping her arms around his neck, she feels a rush of satisfaction at the surprise on his face.  Of course, being the vampire that he is, the surprise does not last long and he adjusts her to fit across his legs more comfortably. 
    “So, kitten, how have you been doing down on the floor?” 
    Settling into his lap she says, “I’ve been doing well.  The diners are nice and understanding that I’m new, and Mackenzie has been making sure that there were no problems.  Why?” 
    He glances at her with a question on his face. 
    “Why are you concerned at how I’ve been doing on the floor?” 
                  “It’s our policy to make sure all the new drinks are being taken care of and that they feel safe here at the bar, Natalie.” 
    Jasper places teasing and sensual kisses along her jaw line and moves up toward her ear.  Nipping at the sensitive skin, he whispers in her ear, “I would’ve hunted you down later since there is something that I wanted